young americans

 Hello hello! I come to you, oh interwebs, with an offering of FUN! I recently worked with American girl to whip up a set of illustrations revolving around a super rad summer kick off party! I read American Girl as a kid and it was a complete and total dream to get to work on my first piece for them.

Here's another little snippet from the article! Go find it at your local bookstore to see all the pieces I did - there's quite a few! Oh, and I illustrated a fortune teller (you may know it as a cootie catcher) insert that is so dang cute I can't even handle it.

In other April/May news:

-My extra talented husband has been working on a monthly Spotify playlist project, which are SO GOOD seriously. Follow him, you will not regret it. Here's a link to May's playlist, how handy. He also makes cover art for each one, those you can find on his instagram. 

-I participated in another Light Grey Art Lab show - Botanica! I chose to illustrate the blackthorn, because it has some sweet witchy connotations. You can buy a print of my piece here.

meet & greet

I've been trying to up my social media game recently (WOO 2015 SENTIMENTS), so I've been taking to ol' Tweety more often than normal, and I've found a lot of amazing artists to follow! A lot of them have been participating in this super cute #MeetTheArtist meme, so when my agency asked us illustrators to chime in I happily did! After all, there's nothing that makes me happier than writing things I like & dislike in list form.

Did you know that I hate dijon mustard? I know it is superior in every way to the yellow stuff but it makes my tongue feel SO WEIRD, I don't know how to describe it. I feel similarly about horseradish and have only just now started allowing wasabi near my sushi. What's really strange is that I love spicy stuff otherwise! Go figure.

And, in case you were curious, my top karaoke songs currently are:

• All or Nothing - O-Town
• Hot Child in the City - Nick Gilder
• Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood

(see how I used that opportunity to make another list about myself? Tricksy hobbitses)

sweet life

IT'S BAAAACKKKK. Katie and I decided it was about time we revived our Pattern Pals series from the dead, and just in time for Candy Eating Season! So yep, we made candy patterns. Mine is inspired by delicious delicious black licorice.

What, you don't like black licorice? You're crazy. Next you're going to tell me that you don't like circus peanuts or candy corn.

If you're in the mood for something mintier, check out Katie's SUPER DUPER cute pattern! Here come the downloads...

iphone wallpaper / tile for your computer

I'll leave you with this relevant music video...

(you're welcome)

ritual

Hey bloggy buddies! Someone has been a neglectful blog poster. Not going to point any fingers or anything. I actually really enjoy updating my blog but I'm also bad at keeping up with stuff like this, and if I can't think of anything to post right away I normally push it to the side. Gonna try to be better - hopefully there will be plenty to post about in the coming months.

Like this illustration above! Bright had a fantasy fiction campaign a couple weeks back, and I decided to make a cool teen elf with an interest in alchemy. Purple hair, don't care. She seems cool right? I made her a playlist of vaguely magic-y songs for her magical crytal iPod, because that's apparently what I do for fun.

If you do nothing else please listen to that track by SZA, or at least go watch her dance around like a cutie. She is kinda my favorite right now.

In other news, it's been about half a year since we moved to California. Perhaps I'm due to make another update soon!

life round here

Snow, food, snow, food. Things are kinda hectic when you're planning a cross country move/selling all your belongings on craigslist/doing your taxes/trying not to go broke/thinking about a wedding, so I haven't had a good chance to update this here blog... so here are some photos and a song.

band together

Here's a project that's near and dear to my heart. Fair Oaks is an amazing band out of Minneapolis, two of whose members also happen to be buddies of mine! When Molly and Andy came to me to see if I'd do their album art for This Is The River clearly the answer was yes. They were pretty open to the look of the art, but after giving some early cuts of a few songs a listen I felt like the whole thing just came together! That photo in the background is totally a polaroid I found at an antique store by the way - there was nothing else in the shot ... just that tree trunk. 

there are also totes and t-shirts available!

Seriously though, this album is worth giving a spin and then enthusiastically buying. You could go for my favorite track (THE CLAPS) or you could check out this awesome lyric video for another stellar song that my awesome fella made for them! 

The CD release show was last weekend, so all of this is fresh in my mind. The album is already getting a lot of positive spin, and I couldn't be more happy for them!

on the run

2014 is the year of the horse, but it's also the year of change for this moi. Yes, there was the whole "got engaged" thing, and now I've got another bomb to drop: we're moving! Come March we're packing up our beloved studio apartment and shuttling off across the country to Los Angeles.  Obviously I'm excited beyond comprehension, but I'm going to miss all of my wonderful friends here. They've become more like family, and it'll be hard to say goodbye to all of the charms of the Twin Cities. We'll be visiting plenty, luckily!

So starting now it's bucket list / road trip playlist planning / apartment and job hunting time. If anyone has any leads on some cheap cheap livin' in LA (Los Feliz preferably) let me KNOW. I'll be taking a mini mini trip in February to hopefully secure a place with the help of my spirit guide Katie.

In other totally unrelated news (except for the fact that I'm pretty sure he lives nearby the neighborhood we're looking at) I have finally arrived on the Donald Glover/Childish Gambino boat. Well folks, I'm here to tell you that if you haven't heard it already you absolutely must give Because The Internet a chance.

something wicked this way comes

YEP, that's right, another Halloween themed post. Apparently my most productive holidays for blogging are Valentine's Day and Halloween, and I'm not sure what that says about me.

In reality I just realized I hadn't made a gif in awhile and I also hadn't posted a playlist in awhile and now I have both! This spooky playlist has been in the works for about a year (I posted some of the songs on it two years ago, actually... shhh) but I think I'm finally happy enough with it to share... although that doesn't mean I'll stop adding to it anytime soon!

I want to give a special shout out to that Chelsea Wolfe song. If you haven't given Chelsea Wolfe a try and you're a fan of spooky girl vocals then run, do not walk, to her discography.

full moon

Okay children of the VHS era. (and beyond, I suppose), how many of you had a movie that you always put on when you stayed home sick from school? Like chicken noodle soup and a couch full of blankets, it's something comforting that you know you can count on when you feel like crap.

The NeverEnding Story was definitely my sick movie. My mom probably realized that it had the great combo of being long for a children's movie, excitement, fun creatures, and a pretty princess. What else do you need?! That's all I could think about when the Silver Screen Society asked me if I'd do a piece based on the movie for this month's series. Sorry Atreyu & Artax, I know you guys are the tops but the Childlike Empress is totally my jam. I mean, just look at this shot from her set. THAT DRESS. I die.

I also sized this piece so you can print it out and use it as a BOOKMARK. OOOOH, AHHH! Just in case, you know, you want to go out and read the book version. Download the hi-res bookmark file here.

Since it's Friday and maybe you need some tunes to jam out to, here are a couple songs I listened to in order to get into the Moonchild state of mind.

clogs - cocodrillo

the dirty projectors + björk - on and ever onward

shaping up

I've been playing around with a lot of shapes in pleasant pastel colors for a personal project, and some of the initial doodles I did were too cute not to slap some eyeballs on and animate in photoshop. Hey kids: you too can go to art school and take one animation class and retain NONE OF IT, and then 5 years later figure out how to animate in photoshop and go do your own thing!

These little buddies work perfectly with my summer playlist, which I made last year but keep adding to whenever I find something that fits my ideal summer dreams: friends in the car, driving to the beach with the windows down and no plans other than eating snacks and reading trashy magazines.

unlisted #6

Another set of items occupying my mind grapes - from the edible to the legible! Previous versions: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

this simple cake recipe | Oh, Martha. What would I do without you? This layer cake recipe was in the most recent issue of Martha Stewart Living and of course I first laid eyes on it when I was stuck midway between Minneapolis and Washington DC on an airplane with no food in sight. I knew I had to make it as soon as possible, and luckily I got a chance to this weekend for Ben & Bill's birthday bbq! It was intensely easy and intensely good.

the burning house | I love a good very specific theme blog. The Burning House is exactly that: carefully laid out, reader submitted photos of what they would take with them if their house was on fire. Obviously it's mostly fantasy based, but these photos and lists still say a lot about their submitters. I especially like ones like elle townsend - they're almost portrait-like in nature without any actual images of the person's face.

janelle monáe's Q.U.E.E.N. | THIS IS MY JAM. Ms. Monáe is such a dreamy rock star and man oh man this video is filled with babes. I wouldn't mind it if every item of clothing in it could be in my closet.

prettify your power cords | I'm not always into DIYs, but this one from DesignLoveFest is simple enough and the end result is stunning. Plus... I've been looking for a reason to buy some washi tape, since all the cool kids have some already.

hallucinations by oliver sacks | My dad is an amazing genius and got me this book for Christmas, along with A Clash of Kings. It took me months and months to finish the latter but I'm finally done and just got started on Oliver Sacks' latest book last night. So far it's living up to the hype!

this gorgeous basket | Gorgeous colors and fair trade to boot? What is there not to love!

s(no)w

Last year as each new season would roll on in I got in the habit of making a playlist to fit a certain mood unique to that season. Summer had one for late nights out with the windows down, fall had one for making cider and walking through the leaves, and winter's was all about nightcaps with a warm blanket and a backdrop of falling snow.

I was planning on starting the Spring playlist sometime soon... and then Minnesota got dumped on by Mother Nature. Six inches of snow! From here all I can see is tree branches covered in the stuff. So the spring playlist will have to wait, but in the meantime my winter playlist is perfect! Take a listen, especially if you're looking out your window forlornly. 

p.s. shoutouts to my dad for introducing me to that amazing Brad Mehldau Knives Out cover. Who knew Radiohead would sound so good played by a jazz band?

signs of life

After another whirlwind weekend (space parties and amazing estate sales oh my) I've just got a few fun programming notes.

First up... FIRST AVE! My font got the super size treatment for a billboard (complete with giant coffee cup) that was placed atop world famous downtown Minneapolis concert venue First Avenue. This place has hosted about five million amazing concerts AND you can see it in Purple Rain. I was, understandably, very excited to go give the billboard a looksee.

Speaking of First Ave, I'm going to see James Blake there at the beginning of May! Have you listened to his new album? So good so goooooood.

JAMES BLAKE - RETROGRADE from martin de thurah on Vimeo.

Last but not at all least, let's talk about Miserable & Worthless. This awesomely named zine comes from MCAD alumni Tuesday Bassen and her buddy Lyndsay Eyth and is chock full of lady art... including a piece from me! Seriously, pre-order this bad boy while you still can. I can't wait to get mine in the mail!

unlisted #5

welcome to my semi-regular hexagonal list of things I've been thinking about/obsessing over! previous versions: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

molasses cookies | I didn't realize it, but molasses cookies are SUPER easy to make. I mean, I guess it makes sense, it's a simple cookie, but I can make these babies at the drop of a hat! What's Gaby Cooking has the perfect recipe, I've been eating one (or two or okay okay three) in the mornings with a good pot of black tea for dunking.

triforce ring from Eugene Tan | With the news that they're remaking Windwaker in HD I have been thinking a lot about the Zelda games. Zelda holds such a special place in my heart! This ring is a great little homage to the games - after all, the Triforce is a fantastic example of good simple design in video games. (related: this great article on "fake" geek girls)

upstream color | Don't you love it when you can't really tell what a movie is about from its trailer, but you can tell it's going to be interesting?! No? Just me? Either way, Upstream Color looks like a beautiful and pooosssiibly freaky movie - just watch the trailer. I know I can't wait to see it!

orchid grey's hair | Julie Sharp has perfect stunning hair that I am getting very envious of. Must not cut hair again, must not cut hair again, must dye ends soon.

help us great warrior! | The brainchild of Madéleine Flores is my kinda superhero. She loves pizza and cats and cute boys and her idea of saving the world is bringing candy to a party or kicking the bad guy in the shins. What else do you need?

super deluxe edition of rumours | HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY RUMOURS. How can I express how much I love you? You are such a perfect album, I listen to you all the time! And now there is a fancy rereleased version of you with live tracks and other goodies? OH MAN, what a great day.

grimy

Grimes 'Oblivion' from Somesuch & Co. on Vimeo.

Claire Boucher (aka Grimes) is officially my girl/artist/musician crush of the year. Bryan started listening to her in the spring and I followed quickly - her girlish charm, varying hairstyles and AMAZING crazy music videos are only the tip of the iceberg. This girl has some major musical chops, every single one of her songs appeals to the witchy dance-y vibe that I love. 

AND, as long as her ears stay healthy we're going to see her in concert this coming Monday! AHH I am so excited to see her and dance my brains out. But, and here is a big issue: what will I wear?! This is not your average "wear what you want" concert in my mind, I think I need to step it up. Maybe go just a little nuts in the accessories department? Many outfits will be planned, and I'm evening taking an emergency shopping trip with Alli this weekend.  

In the meantime I present to you one cheap and one spendy outfit... for inspiration. 

blouse / hat / ring / necklace / boots / shorts

dress / vest / bracelets top middle bottom / boots

p.s. I had an illustration of Grimes started as well, but I just lost my wacom tablet pen and can't do anything until I found it! Toots.

falling down

I took a walk today after lunch, but I promised myself that I would take photos of some fauna along the walk so I could draw it when I came back home. Everything in my life relates back to making myself make more and more new work... it's kind of great!

Also if you know anyone that wants to hire me to draw them some leaves..... well... let me know.

Since this doesn't seem like a big enough post, here's a little Spotify playlist I've been working on. My charming upstairs neighbor and I are planning a little fall feast for this Saturday, and I'm taking it upon myself to play some melancholy, changing of the season, warm blanket and some hot apple cider tunes. Do you have any good additions to this playlist?

game on

image from swordandsworcery.com

I'm guessing that not many folks that read my blog are super duper into video games (although if you're out there holler! Fashion-art-videogame nerds UNITE). Even if you're not that into something simple like Tetris, I'm just going to let you cast your eyes on the visual feast that is Sword & Sworcery. It's this amazing little iphone game that combines adventure, puzzles, and a few bear fights for good measure all in the most detailed pixel-y goodness imaginable. I love nature in video games, and this game does nature in a gorgeous and unique way.

image from kotaku

The folks that made this game are pretty great, too. You can tell they have a sense of humor AND an appreciation for the arts - as evidenced by their crowd sourced "A/V Jam", a call for art and music and whatever else based on their game. I love this one by Annie Carbo!

Oh, and did I mention the music for the game is gorgeous? Like, listen to it by itself gorgeous? Jim Guthrie knows how it's done.

I'm not exactly a game reviewer or anything, so I won't say too much about the game itself - but it is terribly fun and you should probably give it a try. Here's one last look, for funsies...

Walk in the Woods from Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery on Vimeo.

music to my ears

Last night I wrapped up the cover art for Matt Jones' newest album, Half Poison Half Pure. It's been a joy for me to be able to work TWICE with a musician whose music I truly listen to! The Black Path was probably my most played album of 2009, and I'm happy to say that I'm still proud of the work I did for that cover as well.

You should listen to the album now, really. It's different and dark and insightful and I love it.

creeper

On our way home last night, Bryan and I happened to catch the Halloween edition of Sound Opinions on the radio - and they were, of course, talking about the songs that creeped them out the most. This really got us thinking, so we put our heads together (well, Bryan's vast-knowledge-of-music head and my minute-understanding-of-what-music-even-is head) and put together a little list of creepytown Halloween sounds for you! Happy Halloweenie, and thanks to Bryan for help on this one.

    

Le Chat Du Café Des Artistes - Charlotte Gainsbourg 

When you're dead, you're dead. My top pick.

The Amazing Sounds of Orgy - Radiohead 

Bryan's ultimate #1 top pick.

Pirate Jenny - Nina Simone 

Sound Opinions played this one, I'd never heard it before but DANG. Nina Simone knows what's up.

God's Away on Business - Tom Waits 

Master of demented songs, and a great music video!

Venus in Furs - The Velvet Underground 

"It's like a fever dream" - Bryan

What's a Girl To Do - Bat For Lashes 

1:20 in this video seriously haunts my dreams/makes me want to draw 500 million ghosts.

Wicked Game - Chris Isaak 

Another genius pick by Bryan, Chris Isaak with a song that manages to be 100% creepy and 100% sexy at the same time.

b - iamamiwhoami 

Remember when there was speculation that this lady might have been Christina Aguilera? Xtina!

Devil Town - Daniel Johnston.

Disturbing song from a disturbed mind. 

 And, to end on a light note, this silly song for funsies:  

Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell

music to my ears

I listened to this song NONSTOP yesterday. It might be a good karaoke song, if I did karaoke. It's just a Blondie kinda weekend, I guess.

Next week there's something fun in the works.... I can't wait to share it with you guys! In the meantime, let's listen to some of my other Blondie favorites....